Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bans two topical
nitrofurans.
Dr. William Shulaw
Veterinary Preventative Medicine, The Ohio State University
One of the treatments producers and youth exhibitors have used commonly
in the past for pinkeye has been topical sprays or puffer bottles containing
the familiar yellow nitrofuran powders. These products have also been
used for treatment of minor cuts and wounds on many animal species.
This class of compounds has been banned from all systemic uses in food
animals for some time, but some topical uses have been allowed.
In the past, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted two approved
topical nitrofurans to be used in cattle. These products were: furazolidone
aerosol powder (trade names such as Topazone and Furox aerosol) and
nitrofurazone topical powder for pinkeye and wounds (trade names such
as NFZ Puffer and P.E. 7). Because recent research has shown that detectable
residues can occur in edible tissues after treatment of the eye with
these products and because these compounds are considered potential
cancer causing agents, the FDA has banned all uses of these products
in all food animals effective in May of 2002.
This action places these products in the same class as clenbuterol,
chloramphenicol, diethylstilbestrol and others. Extra label use by veterinarians
is also prohibited. Some of these drug products that are banned may
still remain in commercial distribution channels with their old labels
that indicate use in food-producing animals. As of December 2002, some
web sites are still listing these products as available and indicate
they can be used in cattle, sheep and goats. There also may be some
of these products still in the medicine cabinets or show boxes of youth
exhibitors.
The FDA wishes to remind producers and veterinarians, however, that
the new rule supersedes these labels and such products cannot be used
in food animals. It would be a good idea for producers and youth exhibitors
to check their medical supplies and destroy these products if they have
them. Because there may be additional brand names besides the ones mentioned
above, they should check the list of ingredients and look for "nitrofurazone"
and "furazolidone" to determine whether the product contains
the banned drugs. Use of these products in food producing animals may
create a situation where these animals can never be marketed for food.
The FDA's order became effective May 7, 2002.
